U.S. Soldier Injured During Gaza Aid Mission Dies Months Later

The U.S. Army has confirmed the death of Sgt. Quandarius Davon Stanley, 23, who was injured during a humanitarian aid mission to Gaza last summer. Stanley passed away on October 31, according to an online obituary.

Stanley was one of three soldiers injured during the Gaza pier mission, which aimed to deliver aid to Gazans amid the conflict. The Biden administration had sought to establish a temporary pier to facilitate the delivery of aid to Gaza. The effort, which began in May and ended in July, ultimately delivered significantly less aid than initially promised.

The mission faced setbacks due to bad weather and miscalculations, though the military considered it a success. Stanley, who had recently retired from the military, was receiving long-term medical care.

“Stanley was an instrumental and well respected first line leader in the 7th Transportation Brigade Expeditionary (TBX), especially during the mission to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza,” said Colonel John Gray, the unit’s commander.

In June, the deputy commander of U.S. Central Command reported that two soldiers on the mission had sustained injuries: a sprained ankle and a minor back injury. 

The official noted that the third service member, who was not named at the time, was injured while supporting the mission and was evacuated to an Israeli hospital.

“We’re clear eyed and we continue to look at force protection all day, every day and as it stands now we assess the operations can continue,” stated U.S. Vice Admiral Brad Cooper.

Digital reached out to the U.S. Army for comment, but did not immediately hear back.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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